LittleBigPlanet Delayed Over Religious Controversy

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

UPDATED UPDATE!

Update: LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule has revealed via its official site that a day-one patch was just completed and would have removed the offensive material.

However, publisher Sony decided that the "right thing to do for quality and support of people with no on-line was to replace existing disks." The company has yet to issue a new release date for the anticipated PlayStation 3 platforming game.

FFFFFFFUUCK!

Way to get my hopes up then smash them again. Oh well, I guess Fable 2 will have to do for now.

If I had to go through it, then you do too!

I've got Far Cry 2 to suffice.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

What the fuck? This is easily the stupidest thing I have ever heard.

 

[shadow skill]

You know I totally forgot about that. Beautiful piece of music, though. Anyways, I wouldn't call that a double standard, since this is referencing the Quran and 'Baba Yetu' is referencing the Bible. Two totally different religions (And books). Christians didn't mind Baba Yetu, Mulsims obviously mind this.

What makes it a double standard is that Christian groups often *do* express outrage over the (mis)use of Christian material in film, games, or entertainment, but this outrage does not provoke fear, apologies, cancellations, and/or world wide delays of products. And one can't claim economic basis for the action, because for most Western products there are far more Christian consumers than Muslim consumers.

So when companies have such visceral reactions to the outrage of one religioun, yet ignore the outrage of another religion, without economic basis, it seems like the very definition of a double standard.

Guy on page 1 reminded me of the Manchester Cathedral fiasco. As I recall Sony apologised, but they didn't change it. Why not do the same? Apologise for any offenses caused, but simply say that they're not changing it.

Well Resistance had already been out for some time, by the time people started complaining. It's not exactly the same situation.

Why not? The console internet connections means any patch could be applied and instealled. They could have, with a little bit of work, changed the level design. Instead they didn't. I suggest that they do the same as they did back then, apologise but get on with selling the game.

Because taking out an entire level in a game that has already been out for a few months at least is the same as changing an audio track before the game has actually come out.

 

[Amnestic]

You know I totally forgot about that. Beautiful piece of music, though. Anyways, I wouldn't call that a double standard, since this is referencing the Quran and 'Baba Yetu' is referencing the Bible. Two totally different religions (And books). Christians didn't mind Baba Yetu, Mulsims obviously mind this.

What makes it a double standard is that Christian groups often *do* express outrage over the (mis)use of Christian material in film, games, or entertainment, but this outrage does not provoke fear, apologies, cancellations, and/or world wide delays of products. And one can't claim economic basis for the action, because for most Western products there are far more Christian consumers than Muslim consumers.

So when companies have such visceral reactions to the outrage of one religioun, yet ignore the outrage of another religion, without economic basis, it seems like the very definition of a double standard.

Guy on page 1 reminded me of the Manchester Cathedral fiasco. As I recall Sony apologised, but they didn't change it. Why not do the same? Apologise for any offenses caused, but simply say that they're not changing it.

Well Resistance had already been out for some time, by the time people started complaining. It's not exactly the same situation.

Why not? The console internet connections means any patch could be applied and instealled. They could have, with a little bit of work, changed the level design. Instead they didn't. I suggest that they do the same as they did back then, apologise but get on with selling the game.

Because taking out an entire level in a game that has already been out for a few months at least is the same as changing an audio track before the game has actually come out.

Changing does not equal taking out. And yes, I thought this was a matter of 'morals', not of size or technical difficulty.

 

[Jumplion]

I'm betting you were all wondering where I was in this thread, me being the LittleBigPlanet Guru of this site.

After reading this, I can safely say;

I.
AM.
PISSED.
THE.
FUCK.
OFF.

No ammount of excamation points or 1's or emotes can expres my anger. As such, you are safe from any sort of spamming from me, and you are free to imagine me crying in my bed (I am actually tearing a bit, admitedly)

Now, here's my take on this;

I do not hate Muslims, I have a few Muslim friends and they're nice people. However, I don't care if LBP was delayed for even a day, I would still be extremely pissed off and not just because I would have to wait an extra day.
It's because some stupid minority got offended by a stupid song and as a result of that Sony is delaying it. That is why I'm pissed, because to prevent any controversy Sony had to delay LBP. It was their choice, I understand, but because of these damn overzealeous religeous types they delayed LBP. It's a smart move on their behalf admitedly, however it's why they're doing it that is pissing me off.

The obvious choice for the Muslims is, just don't play the game, however that is never a solution. Another choice would be to do the online patch, however as stated not everyone has online so that is a sortof-smart move on Sony.

I am just raging furious right now.

So full of rage.

Rage!

RAAAGGGGEEEE!!

Ironically though, this shows how far spread LBPs appeal is

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Obnoxious Headline once more - READ IT!

IT'S COMING OCTOBER 27TH NOW! [http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/55412]

 

[Brockyman]

Sigh. Political Correctness gone bat-sh*t bonkers.

Did Sony pull Resistance: Fall of man when the Catholic Church got all pissed about using a Cathedral for one of the games levels and demanded it be pulled? No, Sony basically told them to suck it, then kinda-sorta apologized later, but made no changes to the game.

I understand trying to be understanding, multicultural, and accommodating of political and religious beliefs, but it's getting insane, and it seems that Europeans/Americans are so much more worried about offending Muslims then Christians.

When was the last time you saw Muhammad on an episode of South Park or Family Guy? Never you say?! How many times have you seen Jesus Christ on those too shows? Bunches. I'm a Christian, and I personally don't care about stuff like this. If it's wrong to use Jesus are God in these ways, the creators will find out one day, but in the mean time everyone just needs to back off and remember we have freedom of speech rights in the US, Japan and the EU... for now.

Until then, I think I'll put that song on my Ipod...just to stir the pudding...

EDIT: Just got it off ITunes!

 

[oAmadeuso]

Well here in europe it's a 3 week delay.

 

[Brockyman]

yeah, okay, it sucks the game was delayed. a week. 1 week people. i am far from overly sensitive, and not a religious person by any means. but what the fuck? if it is considered offensive to a group of people who strongly follow a religion, what exactly is the big deal in waiting one more week? i'm sure it doesnt make sense to a lot of you, but if you really think about it, using such words in the type of media it was used in, i honestly can see why someone would be offended. not to mention, maybe there's something we dont know about their practices and beliefs that consider using it in anything other than formal practice of the religion to be sacraligious? (i know i butchered that spelling, w/e) The bottom line is, any time something pops up out there that deeply offends your own personal beliefs, there is usually quite the overdramatic following, and people just cannot seem to shut the hell up. Yet here we are, seeing the exact same thing happen to another group of people, yet they are approaching the situation like rational adults, taking a polite and professional approach. And the best part about it? It's ONLY BEING DELAYED A WEEK. So, QQ more if that's what you're really here to do, but in all honesty, this could be about 10 times worse. Show some dignity and respect for their beliefs, and be glad you aren't being forced to wait another month.

There is a difference between "respect" and "bending over backwards". When Muslim's complain about something, whether it be a music soundtrack, school curriculum, offensive cartoons, types of food, documenteries that bring up legitimate points about Islam (the guy was murdered for it by the way), it gets fixed right away, with an apology. When Christian leaders complain (Manchester Cathedral in Resisitance, Jesus used on cartoons/movies, ect) they are pretty much told to bugger off, or maybe get a half hearted apology.

If they are going to bend over backward for one religion, they need to do it for all. However, the best way is to remember FREEDOM OF SPEECH and not to do it for any of them. If someone is offended, don't by the product, watch the show, ect.

I'm glad there are people in the world that are devote and try to live a good and moral life, I like to think I do so in may own way, but to force others to live and believe as you is WRONG, no matter the religion!

 

[shadow skill]

Sigh. Political Correctness gone bat-sh*t bonkers.

Did Sony pull Resistance: Fall of man when the Catholic Church got all pissed about using a Cathedral for one of the games levels and demanded it be pulled? No, Sony basically told them to suck it, then kinda-sorta apologized later, but made no changes to the game.

I understand trying to be understanding, multicultural, and accommodating of political and religious beliefs, but it's getting insane, and it seems that Europeans/Americans are so much more worried about offending Muslims then Christians.

When was the last time you saw Muhammad on an episode of South Park or Family Guy? Never you say?! How many times have you seen Jesus Christ on those too shows? Bunches. I'm a Christian, and I personally don't care about stuff like this. If it's wrong to use Jesus are God in these ways, the creators will find out one day, but in the mean time everyone just needs to back off and remember we have freedom of speech rights in the US, Japan and the EU... for now.

Until then, I think I'll put that song on my Ipod...just to stir the pudding...

Reistance had already been released by the time anyone started complaning. LBP is NOT OUT YET FOR THE LOVE OF GOD it's not the same sort of situation. I never knew it was worse to fix a problem what ever it is before consumers at large et a hold of a product, than to wait till after people get a hold of products to fix them. Calm down people.

 

[Smokescreen]

What makes it a double standard is that Christian groups often *do* express outrage over the (mis)use of Christian material in film, games, or entertainment, but this outrage does not provoke fear, apologies, cancellations, and/or world wide delays of products.

That outrage also doesn't often provoke death fatwahs from the outraged either.

Actually, considering there was a wave of people attempting to bomb abortion clinics, in the US during the 80's, I'd say there's some pretty scary outrage on the parts of Christians too.

However, I still see the situation as problematic. Like a child who thinks that by screaming loudly and pitching a big enough fit, she or he can get their way--and when they do, proceed to continue with that behavior--so is this action in regards to Islam.

Respect toward you and your beliefs; yes. Capitulation to them; no. You do not own god.

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

While we're here, lets learn about this little thing called "RESPECT" - just because religion is the source of this doesn't give you the right to come out and say that athiesm is the way to go and that religion is the worst thing ever.

 

[Brockyman]

Sigh. Political Correctness gone bat-sh*t bonkers.

Did Sony pull Resistance: Fall of man when the Catholic Church got all pissed about using a Cathedral for one of the games levels and demanded it be pulled? No, Sony basically told them to suck it, then kinda-sorta apologized later, but made no changes to the game.

I understand trying to be understanding, multicultural, and accommodating of political and religious beliefs, but it's getting insane, and it seems that Europeans/Americans are so much more worried about offending Muslims then Christians.

When was the last time you saw Muhammad on an episode of South Park or Family Guy? Never you say?! How many times have you seen Jesus Christ on those too shows? Bunches. I'm a Christian, and I personally don't care about stuff like this. If it's wrong to use Jesus are God in these ways, the creators will find out one day, but in the mean time everyone just needs to back off and remember we have freedom of speech rights in the US, Japan and the EU... for now.

Until then, I think I'll put that song on my Ipod...just to stir the pudding...

Reistance had already been released by the time anyone started complaning. LBP is NOT OUT YET FOR THE LOVE OF GOD it's not the same sort of situation. I never knew it was worse to fix a problem what ever it is before consumers at large et a hold of a product, than to wait till after people get a hold of products to fix them. Calm down people.

Fix a problem? I'm in the camp of "there is no problem"! I'm not trying to piss people off, but I'm an advocate of free speech. If your personally offended by the actions of the other, speak out or get over it, but don't "Fix" or "Censor" anything. The Cathedral level should never be changed, nor should the soundtrack. If either party doesn't like it...tough.

Also, while you are right that this was before the release and Resistance was alrealy on shelves, I was making the still relevant point that Western society will bend over backward not to offend the Muslim community, but won't do the same for Christians or Jews.

We have right to say what we want, but there is no FREEDOM TO NOT BE OFFENDED. Sometimes yo just have to put on your big boy pants and deal.

 

[Brockyman]

While we're here, lets learn about this little thing called "RESPECT" - just because religion is the source of this doesn't give you the right to come out and say that athiesm is the way to go and that religion is the worst thing ever.

Well said! I hope my posts aren't taken out of context as well. I respect people who believe in something. I'm personally a Christian, but not as devoute as others. However, being devoute doesn't mean interfering in the creative rights of others.

I agree with his call...this thread isn't against religion itself.

 

[Syphonz]

wasn't Xenogears absolutely filled with anti-religious phrases, symbols etc.? I don't remember that game ever coming under fire.

 

[Amnestic]

wasn't Xenogears absolutely filled with anti-religious phrases, symbols etc.? I don't remember that game ever coming under fire.

Xenogears isn't mainstream and well known enough to warrant attention from activist groups/objections. It's easier to get publicity for your cause if you point the finger at a really well known game.

 

[oAmadeuso]

Wait, how did a song with the lyrics:

'Every soul shall have the taste of death'

and

'All that is on earth will perish'.

get into a game like _Little Big Planet_ in the first place? What's next--something from the Book of Revelations in _Animal Crossing_?

Who is the moron at Sony who heard some song in another language and decided 'hey that's awesome--I'm going to use that without knowing what the words mean!'

I think because it's in arabic. Assuming the produces are not arabic speakers they thought it sounded nice ( and it does btw. Buy the album)
They thought, this sounds nice. Guys won awards etc. It's not like someone is going to reveal on a forum one week before street date that the words by this muslim singer are actually an insult to islam....

 

[GyroCaptain]

Tempest in a teapot, again. This has more of an air of "wasn't paying attention" than the whole "let's accurately model a church without permission", but still, what the HELL does Sony's internal testing department consider proofing? I'm Christian but didn't care especially about the church fiasco, just insofar as I find it as shaky as I would reproducing anything else private or semi-private without permission, say Meteor Crater in Arizona.

Delaying the game is idiotic, missing the song's lyrics in the first place is as well. Which is worse, it's hard to say. Sony needs to either develop a spine or SERIOUSLY improve their internal checks, or this is going to continue, and not just with religious matters.